Articles - Career / Personal Development

After answering an ad for a job, you get an interview. Everything seems to go well, and maybe you're even asked back. Then you get a rejection letter instead of an offer. What happened?

Below you'll find 10 possible answers to why someone else was hired instead of you. If any of them sound a little too familiar, chalk it up to experience and never do that again.

• 1. You had a major typo on your resume.

Mistakes happen. But your resume should be the one place where perfection is guaranteed. Check everything--then check it again.

• 2. You didn't send a thank-you note after the interview.

While an e-mailed thank you is acceptable, following up with a handwritten note is much, much better.

• 3. You didn't contact your references before they were called.

Make sure that everyone you use as a reference will give you glowing notices. Always let them know about the company you've interviewed with before the interviewer calls them.

• 4. You were late.

It doesn't matter why. If the choice is between you and another candidate who was prompt, your little lapse could cost you the job.

• 5. You didn't wear socks.

A job interview is not the time to push the fashion envelope. Casual office wear--a pair of khakis and sports jacket and loafers--is one thing. Overly casual is grungy.

• 6. You wore too much perfume or cologne.

Your significant other may love it, but if everyone else can smell you more than a foot away you, overdid it.

• 7. You were rude to the receptionist.

Many hiring managers routinely ask the receptionist's opinion about candidates. So treat him or her accordingly.

• 8. You didn't make enough eye contact.

Nothing is as powerful as looking someone in the eye. You don't want to stare at someone until they blink, but make eye contact comfortably and often.

• 9. You didn't know what the company did.

How can you possibly know if this is the right job for you if you don't even know what you'll be doing? Use the Internet, the library and every other resource you can to make yourself an informed candidate.

• 10. You lied on your resume.

Honesty is always the best policy. Even a small exaggeration about achievements can be as damaging as a whopper about your academic record.

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BIOGRAPHY

Bill Broderick is a consultant with 25+ years experience in HR management, retained search and HR projects. He is a Director of Fennimore Solutions, a retained search and staffing firm focused on Supply Chain and Operations assignments.

He also leads an Internet startup job board, Workministry.com, a social network recruiting resource designed to enable employers to access groups/networks of job seekers to fulfill staffing goals.

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